-LRB- Rolling Stone -RRB- -- A rare combination of angelic delicacy and extraordinary power , Art Garfunkel 's voice has lent reverie and wonder to songs for nearly 50 years .

This two-CD set , lovingly curated by Garfunkel himself , collects 34 examples of his best work , beginning with Simon and Garfunkel classics such as `` The Sound of Silence '' and `` Bridge Over Troubled Water '' and moving through solo standouts like his gossamer version of the Beach Boys ' `` Disney Girls . '' It 's a revelation from start to finish .

One of `` The Singer 's '' particular pleasures is its nonchronological sequence ; when a live rendition of `` For Emily , Wherever I May Find Her '' surprisingly emerges between the elegant New York reminiscence of `` Perfect Moment '' and Garfunkel 's duet with James Taylor on the Everly Brothers ' `` Crying in the Rain , '' it hits with all its original power .

Two previously unreleased songs , `` Lena '' and `` Long Way Home , '' stand up well in this impressive company .

Finally , `` The Singer '' is a masterpiece of subtlety . Garfunkel is obviously capable of bravura moments , as on Jimmy Webb 's `` Skywriter , '' but he 's a master of restraint . This set 's impact , then , results from the numberless graceful choices Garfunkel makes as a performer , allowing his voice to serve these evocative songs while letting them serve as vehicles for his peerless voice .

Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone .

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The two-CD set collects 34 examples of Art Garfunkel 's best work

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Two previously unreleased songs , `` Lena '' and `` Long Way Home , '' stand up well in this impressive company

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Garfunkel 's `` The Singer '' is a masterpiece of subtlety